Québec Public Infrastructure
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec
Wind and Atmospheric Modelling
Québec Public Infrastructure
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec
Wind and Atmospheric Modelling
The Haut Richelieu Hospital expansion project was recently completed. During the first winter following construction, significant snow ingestion was observed in the outdoor air intake, affecting the regular operations of the hospital. Lasalle|NHC provided scale model testing within a water flume to simulate snow drift and accumulation. A wide range of meteorological and snowfall scenarios were tested to replicate existing conditions and identify critical aerodynamic factors. Various mitigation measures were tested on the model and an optimal solution was recommended. Since its implementation on site, there have been no further reports of problematic snow entrainment.